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Nigeria, Togo and Ghana top finalist countries of Pitch AgriHack West Africa 2017

August 4, 2017

For the past 12 days, 12 judges went through 53 semi-finalist applications, to determine start-ups which will be named finalists of Pitch AgriHack West Africa 2017, a youth e-agriculture start-up support program of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA). The judges were composed of industry experts (ICT and Agriculture), entrepreneurs and investors.

With 14 representatives, Nigeria tops the finalist countries, followed by Ghana and Togo with each 3 representatives for the final. The percentage of Nigerian finalists corresponds exactly to the percentage of total applications originating from that country (56%). A total of 130 applications were initially received from 11 West African countries.

Participation in the 2017 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF)

The finalists will be invited to a training and pitching sessions in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 04 to 08 September 2017. They will take part in the 2017 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), organised by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), FAO. They will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to development partners and potential investors as well as a new panel of judges. Winners will be announced on the closing day of the AGRF which will gather over 500 participants including high level government and private sector representatives. The theme of AGRF 2017 is “Accelerating Africa’s Path to Prosperity: Growing Inclusive Economies and Jobs through Agriculture”.

Additional rewards promised by partners

A maximum of four best start-ups will be selected as official CTA winners (a maximum of two per category). Each winning team will receive a cash prize of up to €15,000, as well as promotional support, additional capacity building and networking opportunities.

Pitch AgriHack West Africa partner Suguba will give a cash prize of €2,000 to a best start-up from each of the following countries: Mali, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Other partners such as EIC Coorporation (an investment company member of the African Business Angels Network – ABAN), Wennovation Hub, etc. will provide incubation and other support to some selected participants.

Its objective is to help develop business services offered by young e-agriculture start-ups as well as contribute to the acceleration of the adoption of innovations for stronger productivity in the agri-food sector. The first edition, targeting African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, was organised in 2016, in collaboration with partners such as the African Development Bank and innovation centers.

Congratulations to finalists and thank you to all partners. Check the infographic presenting results.